M1 junctions 6a to 9 technology upgrade

We will be upgrading the technology along the M1, between junctions 6a and 9. This work will involve updating signs, signals, and cameras on both the northbound and southbound carriageways. This work is essential for maintaining and repairing the equipment used to monitor our road network and managing traffic flow. The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2026-27.

Start date 2 March 2026
End date 2026-27
Cost TBC

Latest updates

  • 20 February 2026

    Work starts 2 March 2026

    We plan to start work on Monday 2 March on the M1 in Hertfordshire. 

    We'll work overnight between 10pm and 5am on weeknights only until the end of March 2026, weather permitting. Diversions will be in place. 

    To work safely, we will need road closures on the following dates:

    Monday 2 March to Friday 20 March 2026 - Northbound junction 6a (Chiswell Green/M25) to 8 (Hemel Hempstead) Closure

    Diversion route for traffic heading north on the M1
    • Leave the M1 at junction 6.
    • Follow the North Orbital / St Albans Road towards the A414.
    • At Bricket Wood junction, take the second exit onto the A405.
    • At the third roundabout (Park Street Roundabout), take the first exit onto the A414.
    • Continue to junction 8.
    • Rejoin the M1 northbound, where the diversion ends.

    Map for traffic heading north on the M1

    Diversion route for traffic heading east on the M25
    • Leave the M25 at junction 21a
    • At Bricket Wood junction, take the first exit onto the A405.
    • At the third roundabout (Park Street Roundabout), take the first exit onto the A414.
    • Continue to junction 8.
    • Rejoin the M1 northbound, where the diversion ends.

    Map for traffic heading east on the M25

    Diversion route for traffic heading west on the M25
    • Leave the M25 at junction 21a
    • At Bricket Wood junction, take the third exit onto the A405.
    • At the third roundabout (Park Street Roundabout), take the first exit onto the A414.
    • Continue to junction 8.
    • Rejoin the M1 northbound, where the diversion ends.

    Map for traffic heading west on the M25

    Monday 23 March to Tuesday 31 March 2026 - Southbound junction 9 (Redbourn/StAlbans) to 8 (Hemel Hempstead)

    Diversion route for traffic heading south on the M1
    • Leave the M1 at junction 9
    • At the roundabout, take the first exit onto Dunstable Road (A5183)
    • At the next roundabout, take the second exit to stay on the A5183.
    • At the following roundabout, take the first exit to remain on the A5183.
    • At Batchwood Roundabout, take the third exit onto Hemel Hempstead Road (A4147) and head towards Hemel Hempstead.
    • At the St Albans / Breakspear Way roundabout, take the third exit onto the A414.
    • Rejoin the M1 southbound at junction 8, where the diversion ends here.

    Map for traffic heading south on the M1

See more updates

Project information

Overview

The M1 motorway relies on a system of overhead gantries, sensors, and cameras to monitor and adjust to traffic conditions in real-time. 

We will be upgrading the technology along the M1 between junction 6a (Chiswell Interchange/M25) and junction 10 (Luton Airport). This work will involve updating signs, signals, and cameras on both the northbound and southbound carriageways.

Once done, this work will help improve the safety and reliability of journeys along this stretch of the M1.

Documents

Traffic information

Information about scheduled roadworks and events on our motorways and major roads.

Contact us

0300 123 5000

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